How to Apply Prosthetic Ear Tips & Other Latex Prosthetics

1. FIT THE PROSTHETIC

Prosthetics are usually one size fits all. This means that you need to do a little work to fit them to your body correctly.

Make sure your skin is clean and free from oil. Place the prosthetic on your skin to get a feel for where you would like them to fit. Note any areas which are uncomfortable, too large or look unnatural. With care, remove the prosthetic and use small scissors to trim away excess latex or shape the item to fit you better.

2. APPLY SPIRIT GUM

Put the prosthetic on again and note all the areas where the latex makes contact with your skin. Removing the latex, apply a very thin layer of Mastix Spirit Gum or Epic Effect Mastix - Spirit Gum - 12 ml to both the prosthetic and your skin at gluing points. Wipe away any excess glue with a cotton bud. Allow the spirit gum to dry until its taken on a tacky consistency.

3. ATTACH THE PROSTHETIC

Carefully attach the prosthetic to the skin at the glue points. Firmly press the latex in place and hold it until the bond is strong.

4. BLEND THE PROSTHTIC INTO THE SKIN WITH MAKE UP

Use skin-coloured make up to blend the edges of the prosthetic into your flesh. Foundation, Snazaroo Facepaint or our Skintone Makeup Colour Wheel are all good ideas. For best effect, pull the bristles of a make-up brush back and flick several coats of different coloured pigments on the blending area to give a natural flesh shade.

If you're going for a more exotic look, apply the colours and patterns to the body of the prosthetic once it has been blended to your skin at the edges.

5. REMOVING THE PROSTHETIC

Moisten the edge of the latex with Epic Effect Mastix Remover on a cotton bud. Gently rub the remover over both the skin and prosthetic until it lifts clear. Continue to remove excess glue from your skin, and then clean your flesh with warm, soapy water.

6. KEEP YOUR PROSTHETIC IN GOOD CONDITION

Use Epic Effect Mastix Remover to clean all the glue from your prosthetic. Many people leave make up on their ears or feature pieces for easy application next time they are needed, but this can sometimes cause the latex to become brittle or tear. To avoid this, use warm, soapy water or a gentle make-up remover, such as make-up remover wet wipes.

If you use an oil-based make-up remover, remove the remaining grease with some Epic Effect Mastix Remover or rubbing alcohol. Make sure your latex prosthetic is completely dry after cleaning, and store in in a dark, dry place at room temperature.